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Readers of both the Orange County Register and the San Diego Union-Tribune voted PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. the best pet store in their respective counties, during two separate polls conducted by those newspapers in July.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030603/PETCOLOGO )

This is the seventh year in a row that PETCO has won the award in its home county of San Diego, and the third year in a row receiving this commendation from its neighboring county to the north. These newspapers represent the largest daily publications in their respective counties.

PETCO Director of Operations for Southern California Bill LoBell attributes the success to the company's award-winning training programs and emphasis on customer service.

"Our customers know that if they have a question about their pet, our associates can either answer it or direct them to the appropriate information," LoBell said. "In addition, the products and services we offer are obviously second to none."

LoBell also noted that PETCO's customers are as concerned about animals in the community as they are about their own pets, proven by their generous contributions to PETCO Foundation fundraisers that raise money for animal welfare causes within PETCO's store communities. PETCO customers, vendors and associates have donated more than $3.5 million in the Foundation's last three fundraisers, including the Round Up/Spay Today drive which ends this Sunday. The Foundation's goal of $500,000 during this campaign has already been shattered, with more than $528,000 having been collected with several days left in the fundraiser.

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO's strategy is to offer its customers a complete assortment of pet- related products and services at competitive prices, with superior levels of customer service at convenient locations, by hiring pet lovers and training them to become counselors to our pet-loving customers. PETCO generated net sales of $1.48 billion in the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003. It operates more than 635 neighborhood stores in 43 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.petco.com . The PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit organization, has raised more than $12 million since inception in 1999. More than 1,500 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.